Farmers and ranchers face uncertain times, which can lead to depression, stress, addictions and other mental/behavioral health concerns. Get the help you need.

Rural Minds Matter Advocate of the Year Awards

In honor of Mental Health Month in May, we're thrilled to welcome nominations and applications for the second year of the "Rural Minds Matter Advocate of the Year" awards! This prestigious honor celebrates the extraordinary individuals who have been champions of mental health advocacy in our rural Kansas communities. Their dedication is life-changing in regions where mental health resources are often scarce.

Do you or someone you know fit the bill? Nominate them or apply now here! There is an opportunity for those 18-35 and one for those above 35. Applications for the 2025 round of awards are now open through July 18.

Selected recipients will not only receive well-deserved recognition at the Kansas Farm Bureau annual meeting or the Young Farmers and Ranchers Conference, but also cash prizes to further their advocacy efforts. Plus, their story will be featured on www.kfb.org/ruralmindsmatter and www.kansaslivingmagazine.com, ensuring their impact reaches far and wide.

For full details, read this press release.

Read about the 2024 Rural Minds Matter Advocate of the Year!
Read about the 2024 Rural Minds Matter Young Advocate of the Year!

APPLY FOR THE 2025 AWARDS HERE!

Rules:

  • Selected winner agrees to allow Kansas Farm Bureau to publicize the award and its winners, including press releases, social media announcements and other promotional materials.
  • Previous recipients of the 'Rural Minds Mater Advocate of the Year' award are not eligible to win again for at least two years post-selection. This policy is in place to ensure fairness and provide opportunities for new advocates to be recognized for their contributions to mental health advocacy in rural Kansas communities.
  • Kansas Farm Bureau reserves the right to disqualify a nominee for reasons including false information or unethical behavior, which would result in forfeiture of winnings.


Getting Help

Read more about farmers and ranchers who know the struggles you face and have experience managing mental health.

Mental Health Disorders:

www.drugwatch.com/health/mental-illness

Drugwatch is a free web health resource reviewed by the Health on the Net Foundation. A guide they've published covers disorders, warning signs and how to get treatment. 

Ag Behavioral Health

www.agbehavioralhealth.com

The website of Michael Rosmann, rural psychologist, contains resources related to behavioral health for farmers and ranchers.

AFBF Rural Stress Poll

Kansas Department of Agriculture's Kansas Ag Stress

Recommended Videos/Webinars

Mental/Behavioral Health Videos 

Mental/Behavioral Health Webinars 

 Mental/Behavioral Health Podcasts

Training Programs

  • The Rural Resilience Training Program 
    • Developed by Michigan State University Extension and designed for individuals who interact with farmers and ranchers to help recognize signs of stress and offer resources.
    • State/County Farm Bureau staff and members can register for the online training here. The training is free for all Farm Bureau staff and members. 
  • Question, Persuade and Refer (QPR)
    • Suicide-prevention training designed to educate people from all walks of life on how to recognize the warning signs of suicide. QPR training helps people get comfortable asking the question "Are you thinking about suicide?" and then helping others get appropriate help. For more information or to schedule a QPR training, please contact Rebecca McFarland, mcfarla@ksu.edu.

Other Resources